Nestled in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piera 1899 stands as a testament to one woman’s dedication to crafting wines that eloquently speak of their terroir. The winery, which I’ve had the pleasure of discovering through their exceptional bottles, represents a remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation under the guidance of Piera Martellozzo, who took the helm in 1992 and transformed her family’s historic estate into a beacon of sustainable winemaking. What I like the most is its mix of traditional indigenous and more well-known grapes.
Winemaking Philosophy
What strikes me most about Piera 1899’s approach is their unwavering commitment to expressing territorial identity. At the heart of Piera 1899’s philosophy lies an uncompromising commitment to terroir expression and sustainability. As pioneers in organic farming since the 1990s, their “Pura Terra” (pure earth) philosophy emphasizes the sacred connection between land and wine. As Piera Martellozzo often says, “We have the privilege to dedicate ourselves – body and soul – to a craft that is, first and foremost, a story with deep roots and a conscious choice made every day.”
Their winemaking approach masterfully balances tradition with innovation, focusing on expressing the true character of both native and international grape varieties. Through meticulous territory mapping and careful plot selection, they create wines that showcase the grandeur of Friuli’s terroir. The result is a collection of sparkling and still wines that delight all senses while maintaining their commitment to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation.
Vineyard Details
The estate’s vineyards benefit from an extraordinary geographical setting at the foot of the Dolomites. This unique location, known as the Friuli Grave, features distinctive white pebble soils that play a crucial role in vine development. These stones, locally known as “Magredi,” absorb heat during the day and release it at night, creating optimal conditions for grape ripening.
The area experiences significant diurnal temperature variations, thanks to the moderating influence of the mountains and the nearby Adriatic Sea. This climate pattern contributes to the development of intense aromatics and elegant flavor profiles in native and international grape varieties.
Personal tasting notes
I had the extreme pleasure of tasting these wines. Each one is stunning—clean, fresh, and beautifully expressive. They showcase the typical characteristics of their respective grape varieties while embodying their terroir’s identity.
Ribolla Gialla D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali
- Appearance: Bright straw yellow with distinctive greenish reflections
- Nose: An elegant bouquet featuring white rose, gentian, and acacia blossoms, complemented by fresh white peach, crisp apple, and pear notes
- Palate: Vibrant acidity provides remarkable freshness, with a well-balanced structure and characteristic zesty notes
- Technical Notes: 13% alcohol, harvested from marly soils using Guyot training system
- Food Pairing: Incredibly versatile – I particularly enjoy it as an aperitif, but it shines with white meats, fresh seafood, and traditional Friulian pasta dishes
Sauvignon D.O.C. Friuli
- Appearance: Luminous straw yellow with appealing greenish highlights
- Nose: Intensely aromatic with pronounced vegetal notes of sage and bell pepper, beautifully balanced by apricots, exotic fruits, and grapefruit
- Palate: Rich and enticing with pronounced aromatics and a generous mouthfeel
- Technical Notes: 13% alcohol, grown in alluvial soils mixed with gravel and sand
- Food Pairing: Excellent with fish dishes; I find it particularly compelling with herb-crusted sea bass or vegetable flans
Merlot D.O.C. Friuli
- Appearance: Deep ruby red with attractive violet highlights
- Nose: Complex bouquet of berries, cherries, and plums
- Palate: Opulent and full-bodied, showing remarkable smoothness thanks to the partial appassimento process, finishing with lingering notes of jam, dried plums, and cherry
- Technical Notes: 14% alcohol, unique vinification,n including 60 days of drying for selected grapes
- Food Pairing: Outstanding with game and roasted meats; I particularly recommend it with aged cheeses
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso D.O.C. Friuli
- Appearance: Vibrant ruby red with purple undertones
- Nose: Characteristic aromas of raspberry and blueberry, with intriguing herbaceous notes
- Palate: Full-bodied with refined, silky tannins, showing excellent balance between crisp acidity and aromatic persistence, concluding with an engaging spicy finish
- Technical Notes: 13% alcohol, extended maceration of 20-25 days
- Food Pairing: Traditional pairing with local salumi and roasts; I find it exceptional with medium-aged cheeses
Pinot Grigio D.O.C. Friuli
- Appearance: Bright straw yellow
- Nose: Elegant aromatics featuring orange blossom, complemented by fresh apple, pear, and exotic fruit notes with subtle hints of dried fruit
- Palate: Well-balanced between zesty acidity and smoothness, showing excellent harmony and full flavor development
- Technical Notes: 13% alcohol, fermented at controlled temperatures of 17-18°C
- Food Pairing: Versatile with seafood and white meats; I particularly enjoy it with light fish preparations
Innovation in the Non-Alcoholic Category: Zero di Zero
Among Piera 1899’s most innovative offerings is their Zero di Zero, a sophisticated non-alcoholic sparkling wine that showcases their technical expertise. Having tasted it recently, I’m impressed by how successfully it captures the essence of traditional sparkling wine without alcohol.
Technical Profile and Production
Zero di Zero is meticulously crafted using selected white grape must as its foundation. Unlike traditional wine, no alcohol fermentation is initiated, preserving the natural grape sugars. Key specifications include:
- Alcohol Content: 0.0% vol
- Natural Sugar Content (Fructose): 100 g/l
- Shelf Life: Three years
- No added sugars – all sweetness comes naturally from the grape must
Tasting Notes
Zero di Zero White (Non-Alcoholic Sparkling)
- Appearance: Light straw yellow with brilliant clarity and persistent, fine perlage
- Nose: Delicate wild flowers and fresh white fruits
- Palate: Well-balanced between natural grape sweetness and fresh acidity, with elegant effervescence
- Finish: Clean and refreshing with good length
Food Pairing and Serving
The versatility of Zero di Zero makes it an excellent choice throughout a meal:
- Works beautifully as an aperitif
- It pairs well with light dishes and seafood
- Creates interesting contrasts with savory foods
- Complements desserts naturally
Zero di Zero is particularly noteworthy because it maintains wine-like complexity while providing a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative. The three-year shelf life and stability without artificial preservatives demonstrate Piera 1899’s commitment to technical innovation and quality.
Sustainable Innovation
Under Piera Martellozzo’s leadership since 1992, the estate has implemented numerous groundbreaking initiatives:
- A photovoltaic system providing sustainable energy
- Eco-friendly packaging, including lighter bottles and recycled materials
- Advanced gas management systems for improved wine preservation
- Natural gas conversion for reduced environmental impact
Recent Developments
The winery continues to innovate in sustainability and winemaking. Recent investments in cutting-edge technology include a state-of-the-art system for managing dissolved gases in wine, which has allowed them to significantly reduce sulfite usage. They’ve also transitioned to eco-friendly packaging and implemented a comprehensive water treatment system.
In response to growing consumer interest in mindful drinking, Zero di Zero’s introduction demonstrates its commitment to evolving with consumer preferences while maintaining its high standards for quality and taste.
Conclusion
Piera 1899 represents the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation in Italian winemaking. Their commitment to sustainability, combined with a deep respect for their territory, produces expressive and forward-thinking wines. For wine enthusiasts seeking authentic expressions of Friuli’s unique terroir, Piera 1899’s portfolio offers a compelling journey through one of Italy’s most distinctive wine regions.
Thanks again for sending me these bottles, Piera 1899!
More information about Piera 1899: https://piera1899.com/en/
